Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room
In Episode 90, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Chris Gleason for a thought-provoking conversation about grading – or more specifically, ungrading. Chris challenges traditional notions of grading and assessment, offering compelling stories and practical strategies for shifting from compliance-based systems to student-centered, intrinsic learning environments. With humor, wisdom, and years of classroom experience, Chris explores what it means to foster agency, curiosity, and deep reflection in music education—and why students’ growth can’t (and shouldn’t) be reduced to a number or letter grade.
Whether you’re brand new to the concept of ungrading or already dipping your toes in these waters, this episode is sure to get you thinking deeply about your own classroom practices. Chris reminds us that meaningful learning comes from relationships, relevance, and reflection—not from points, charts, or checklists. Tune in for an honest, encouraging, and energizing discussion that will leave you inspired to rethink assessment and empowered to make bold changes that truly benefit your students.
Listen to the full interview:
Here are some key insights from Episode 90:
- Question Grades – Traditional grading often measures compliance, not learning; we must rethink why and how we assign grades.
- Foster Intrinsic Motivation – Extrinsic rewards like grades or cookies hinder deep learning; students thrive when motivated by personal growth.
- Student Agency Matters – Letting students co-create rubrics and reflect on learning builds ownership and increases engagement.
- Feedback Over Labels – Meaningful, personalized feedback is far more valuable than a number or letter on a report card.
- Prioritize Relationships – Real learning happens through trust, curiosity, and connection—not transactional systems based on control and punishment.
Connect with Chris and learn more:
Other resources from this episode:
- Episode 84 – Assessment for Growth: Empowering Student Musicians
- Episode 67 – Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessment in Music Education
- Episode 55 – Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student
- Trust and Inspire, by Steven Covey
- Punished by Rewards, by Alfie Kohn
- The Art of Possibility, by Rosemond Stone Zander
- Hacking Assessment, by Starr Sackstein
- Undoing the Grade, by Jesse Stommel
Ready for more?
You can check out the full interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Or you can listen right here, on Spotify Podcasts!
You might also enjoy these other episodes:
- Episode 25 – The Power of a Mission Statement, featuring Kevin Feher
- Episode 31 – Creating a Culture for Student Empowerment, featuring Matthew Arau
- Episode 51 – Harmony and Connection: Leveraging SEL in Music Education, featuring Elizabeth Peterson
- Episode 52 – Unleashing Our Impact: Empowering Music Educators, featuring Jen Rafferty
